DEVELOPING RESOURCES
10 TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTING
FUNDRAISING PLAN
Mega Trend
Characteristics of a mega trend:
•It’s not just a market condition or new
methodology.
•It has far-reaching implications
everywhere.
•It leaves a wake in its path when it
strikes.
Overview
• The Cause:
• Community Action changes people's lives,
embodies the spirit of hope, improves
communities, and makes America a better
place to live. We care about the entire
community, and we are dedicated to helping
people help themselves and each other.
Overview
• Community Action Groups are
well-positioned to raise funds
• Established part of the community
• Experienced in handling government funds and
resources
• Knowledgeable about the needs of the community
• You have a great cause!
10 TIPS for Fundraising
1. THE BASICS
IRS 501 c-3 Letter
Good Standing with State of Maryland
Staff and Volunteers
Financial Statements-Audit or 990
Annual Report/ Brochure
Website
Social Media
10 TIPS for Fundraising
2. Start Where You Are: Plan
Develop a plan or plan to fail
Setting goals is easy but achieving them isn't.
That's why setting SMART goals:
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and
Timely –
Is the first step in making your goal a reality
10 TIPS for Fundraising
3. Start Where You Are: Plan
Invest to Grow
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Make a realistic budget
Identify resources on hand
Include in-kind support
Recruit Volunteers
10 TIPS for Fundraising
4. Start Where You Are: Plan
Build on Your Strengths
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What are you good at?
Who is already in your organization?
Where are your best opportunities?
What are your challenges?
10 TIPS for Fundraising
4. Start Where You Are: Plan
Build on Your Strengths
Conduct a SWOT Analysis to assess:
• Strengths
•Weaknesses
•Opportunities
•Threats
10 TIPS for Fundraising
4. Start Where You Are: Plan
Build on Your Strengths
Exercise: Yes I Can Group has a budget of
$330,000:
•$250,000 from CSBG
•$50,000 from CDBG
•$30,000 from donations
What are a few fundraising options for YICG?
10 TIPS for Fundraising
5. Start Where You Are: Plan
OPTIONS
•Direct Mail
•Special Events
•Telethon/Radiothon
•Phona-thon
•Grants
20 TIPS for Fundraising
5. Direct Mail
The # 1 Reason People Don’t Give:
DIRECT MAIL-Where to start?
•Board Members
•Staff
•Local Businesses
•Volunteers
•Vendors
•You!
10 TIPS for Fundraising
6. SPECIAL EVENTS
Pay Your Organization First: Goal 75%
Sponsors
Donors
Friends
Partners
Funders
Clients
Magic Programs
10 TIPS for Fundraising
7. TELE-THON/RADIOTHON
Raise Awareness=Development
Tell Your Story Broadly
Build your brand
Raise funds
Raise friends
10 TIPS for Fundraising
8. PHONE-A-THON
Reach out and call
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Make it personal
Update
Re-connect
Re-engage
Thank
10 TIPS for Fundraising
9. GRANTS
Research , Solicit, Involve, Steward
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Foundations
Corporations
State and Local Governments
Federal Government
10 TIPS for Fundraising
10. MAKING THE ASK
Total giving to charitable organizations was $353.23 billion in
2014. This is an increase of 3.5% from 2013.
The majority of that giving came from individuals.
Specifically, individuals gave roughly $254 billion (72%)
representing a 3.9% increase over 2013.
Giving by bequest was $22.14 billion (down 7%), foundations
giving was 15%- $47.44 billion (up 4.4%), and corporations
donated $18.97 billion (up 12.2%).
Corporate giving accounts for just 6% of the total giving in 2014
which is an increase of 12.2% over 2013.
Making The Ask: Face to Face
Making The Ask
Letter/Appeal=gift.
Great intro to organization
Call-Increases gift by 300%.
Visit-Increases gift by 1,000%.
Making The Ask
Make the ask in person.
Never by email or voicemail
Making The Ask
Ask for a specific amount.
Start with a range that is at least 3 times to
10 times their largest mailed/ online gift.
Making The Ask
Confirm /Connect the prospect/donor’s
interest to your organization.
Explain how previous support has made a difference. Briefly describe the
current problem and how giving to your organization is a solution.
Making The Ask
Make eye contact. Use eyes and ears
rule.
Be Quiet!
Making The Ask
Deal with Questions, Concerns or
Objections
Transparency is key!
Making The Ask
NO, Comma
It’s not personal
Making The Ask
Record and Report Results
Follow up within 24 hours
RECAP
Today’s non-profits need diverse
funding sources.
Individual giving is the largest source of
charitable funding and is done most
effectively: Face to Face!
Questions and Answers
•Isazetta Spikes, CFRE
•443.677.0150
•ispikes@peoplepc.com